A local optometrist is reiterating the importance of regular eye exams for children.

Dr. Trudy Metcalfe says poor eyesight is sometimes misdiagnosed in younger children as a learning disabilities or behavioural issues.

She says vision is 80 per cent of learning and the consequences of poor vision are far-reaching for students.

Metcalfe says it’s easy to see why a child might be distracted from the learning process if they can’t properly see what’s going on.

She recommends that children get their first eye exam between six and nine months, again between two and five years of age and then every year while they’re in school.

The Eye See Eye Learn program allows every child a free eye exam, and if they need glasses, they’re also covered under the program.